BMW X1 (E84) Problems | Weaknesses of the Used E84

Should you buy a used BMW E84? Pros and cons, maintenance costs and common problems of the BMW X1.

Transmission problems: manual and automatic
Engine reliability: 1st-gen BMW X1 had non-turbo 2.0 N46 (143 and 150 HP), N20 180 HP turbo and 3-liter 258-HP N52B30 and 306-HP N55B30 gas engines. 3-Liter X1 is a hard car to find in a good condition. Diesel N47 116-218 HP engines were also installed.

[sundayking]

2010 E84 sDrive 18d with 170k+ km and no major issues. Regular preventive maintenance, checks and services done by myself have paid off...still looking like new. 👍🏼

[CM-phqy]

I've owned a used 2013 xdrive 35i that I've put about 13k miles on over the past few years. It's currently at almost 60k miles. It has definitely been a maintenance headache. All of them have issues with the valve cover and oil filter housing gaskets. The oil filter housing one isn't too hard to replace yourself, but most mechanics I've talked to have recommended an entirely new valve cover. Total cost was something like $1400 for that service (I also had them put in new spark plugs I purchased). I would have done the maintenance myself, but it's a long job and there is a lot that can go wrong with it, and therefore wanted it under warranty. I'm glad I did because they had to redo it (oil still burning=telltale sign). Next was the front control arm bushing which were worn and caused the car to go out of alignment and dive a bit in the corners. $700 for new control arms and other services (oil change, I forget what else), which came out to, yup almost another $1200. I also spent $150 installing a new charge pipe (have to do this as they can/will degrade and get thrown into the engine), $100 to fix the coolant overflow tank that was leaking, $200 for a new intake (woosh/pshhh), $500 for new transmission and engine tunes through xhp/mhd. You also have to change the oil on these often, like every 3.5k-5k miles if you do a lot of stop and go/short around the town driving. Not doing this wears out the aforementioned leaking seals much faster as the oil becomes fouled with fuel or whatever. The rear differential started making a noise a couple years ago, but hasn't really gotten worse, has no effect on performance and seems to go away after driving for a bit. The transfer case seems to be holding up, but I'm always warned about it and the service for this particular car is dumb. Car is not throwing any codes and I have it on a decently aggressive tune now (stage 1+ 93 octane). But here's the thing if you got through that word wall... I'm not getting rid of the car if I can help it. It handles like a dream (built on the e8x 1 series chassis), has great low end torque for around town and will keep up with/outrun a lot of modern sports cars. It was $20k all in after taxes and title when I bought it, I've put maybe another $4k in. The engine is stout and it's effectively a lifted hatchback that is pushing around 350hp/400 ft/lbs of torque, moving upwards of 380hp/450 ft/lbs with a couple more bolt-ons in my case. This is power that the engine and trans can hold very reliably. It's going to be $50-60k starting, probably like $60-70 out the door to find a comparable new car and I'm not sure if you'd find something that isn't a bit too numb comparatively (not many cars have hydraulic streeing anymore). YMMV, but as a get around in rainy weather sleeper it's pretty awesome and even with the above and the maintenance I know is coming up (top coolant hoses, oil filter housing gaskets, probably belts sometime in the nearish future), I'm fine with it cause it's already been priced in for what it is imo.

[krellil]

Hints***As a BMW owner*** NEVER BE CHEAP ON VEHICLE MAINTENANCE***
I own so many vehicles. I own the 2014 2nd Gen X1 with N20 X28i (240hp) in Canada as a daily car. This is a high performance engine (high temp with BMW high pressure coolant system, so NEVER follow Factory service interval!! I change my Engine Oil at every 3300km. Now almost 93, 000km. I replaced new set of Spark plugs at 70, 000km. Replace all new filters at every 15, 000km. Wipers once a year. Serviced Transfer, rear diff. fluid at 80, 000km. Battery installed new at 75, 000km (use OE Factory AGM battery 800CCA). The only thing gave up was the electronic thermostat at 75, 000km, replace the engine coolant when replace the thermostat. Until now no issue at all. This is very reliable and solid with good engine power output. Far Far better than any Japanese brands vehicles.

[Faderk]

Hey I have a 2015 BMW X1 xdrive 28i I have about 82, 000 miles on it I have had it for a year now bought it with 78, 000 miles and the only problem I have had so far it the front windshield washer pump failed and I had to replace other then that the car has been amazing. I love the car and am very happy with it

[sageofpaths]

I have a 2012 BMW X1 E84 28i with a N20 engine.
Barely any issues. Only notable issues were rear driver side bearing, thermostat both at 120000km. Radiator leakage at 150000km, because my wife hit someone on the highway.

Oil changed must be frequent every 5k intervals. I use Motul 8100 5w40 exclusively. I notice Vanos issues if extend past 6000km out of my own laziness. Changed al fluids regularly alongside brake pads etc.

I’m now at 193000km. Both left and right control bushings gave way, passenger side mirror fell off do to corrosion. Battery was recently changed after 9 years. Dealership was shocked.

Solid vehicle. Bottom line. Used only BMW parts. Basic maintenance can go a long way. Even if it’s a BMW.

[Sherry]

I purchased a 2015 X1 sdrive 28i, E84, and so far the only problem that I have encountered is the oil level sensor and the front windshield washer pump. I was able to replace both of them myself. I purchased the car about a year ago with 38k miles, and it currently has 46k miles.

[myadventurerides]

2009 X1 23d. ZF auto gearbox failed at 104k. EGR valve failed at 136k. Blue tooth module failed 150k. Front drive shaft universal failed 175k. Currently dealing with PDF issues at 185k. The love hate relationship continues.

[hotchilli]

I have a 2010 e84 and have had it for the past 5 years, average 20miles per day and the only problem I have had was the egr valve..mileage 70, 000.

[TYAC_TPE_SF-Bay]

Counting kilometers sounds grander than counting miles. But in fact it is just delicate.

[Alanreyes-jmpn]

Why does mine eat my gas and randomly gain miles??? Just got it

[Jimbaker]

You must work for another car company, the way you talk they should all be removed from the road! I have 185, 000 km and I would not replace it with anything. You gotta look at the brighter side of the car man

[suespony]

Just had to replace the front differential carrier on my 2015 x1, car has 136 k miles on it, cost 2800.00 for a used replacement

[LT]

Ground strap caused misleading issues - 61k miles '15 X1 Xdrive28i.

[du]

TLDR: all BMW parts are poorly built and prone to breakage.

[KOSTAS.K]

2 years over 60.000km ...e84 diesel 2.0cc without

[mr.alreadyvapedbud]

I got a 2013 e84 x1 xdrive28i earlier this year with 23k miles on it. I’m around 26.5k right now. I’m 19 and know nothing about cars or bmw. Any advice to give me about maintenance or longevity?

[dongatini]

You r completely wrong! That’s problems provide by BAD MAINTENANCE owners (oil, gas etc)..
That car is a really worth to buy, but you have take care Which one you ll buy!

[hoomanpictures]

The only reliable Engine is the rare N52 inline six. The rest has only a life time for 150000 km according to BMW Leasing Agency.

[joemong]

I have 2011 X1 M Sports sdrive 18i, E84 is Door window regulator is the problem some noise coming in the door something friction or cracking when i down the window glass a little it reduces the noise.

[diahanngrasty]

I found out my car has 171, 269 km, the odometer reads 106, 000 meaning 170, 000 km, this means fraud, I purchased my car with 78, 000 miles so check your accurate mileage, I'm going to court. This car has no value...